CN103538167B

CN103538167B - For the aseptic firing equipment of plastic preform

Info

Publication number: CN103538167B
Application number: CN201310295558.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 沃尔夫冈·舍恩贝格尔; 格哈德·施韦德
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2012-07-13
Filing date: 2013-07-15
Publication date: 2016-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-15
Also published as: JP2014065295A; DE102012106308A1; US9045285B2; US20140014466A1; CN103538167A; EP2684674A1

Abstract

A kind of equipment for heating multiple plastic preform, this equipment has a moveable means of transportation, this means of transportation is provided with at least one heater, wherein, this heater has a supporting element, and this supporting element is used for supporting and transmitting those plastic preforms, and the heating chamber that can insert for plastic preform, and wherein, be also provided with the mobile device that is applicable to plastic preform to insert this heating chamber.According to the present invention, this equipment has a toilet, those plastic preforms are heated by multiple heating chamber in the inside of this toilet, wherein, this toilet is kept apart by least one first wall and at least one second wall and external environment, and it is moveable that this second wall is configured to relative to this first wall.

Description

For the aseptic firing equipment of plastic preform

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of firing equipment for plastic preform.

Background technology

Plastic preform is moulded in blow moulding machine becomes plastic bottle, and this is well-known in this area.These plastic preforms are wanted first to be heated in a heating furnace usually for this reason.The heating furnace that known existence is such, plastic preform is transferred through this heating furnace, and wherein plastic preform is such as transferred by heating element heater, also has the heating furnace at the independent heating station had for heating plastic preforms.DE102009047537A1 describes a kind of heating furnace for regulating and controlling preformed member of the type.

A lot of beverage is necessary to be poured in gnotobasis.Therefore, known is carry out sterilizing by one sterilization process to the plastic preform be likely contaminated by bacterial, and this sterilization process is positioned at the upstream of blow moulding machine.Afterwards, container via an aseptic blow moulding machine, can be admitted to and carry out aseptically filling.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to, provide a kind of can make gnotobasis under the equipment that is more prone to of the production of container that is poured and method.

Equipment for heating plastic preforms of the present invention has a moveable means of transportation, and this means of transportation is provided with at least one heater.Heater in this programme has a supporting element, and this supporting element is used for supporting and transmission plastic preform, and this heater also has a heating chamber that can insert for plastic preform.In addition, also arrange the mobile device that is applicable to plastic preform to insert this heating chamber, this mobile device is preferably also applicable to plastic preform to shift out this heating chamber again.This programme preferably makes being heated at least partially of this heating chamber and/or by microwave action, or preferably enables microwave be introduced into this heating chamber, thus heating plastic preforms.

In the present invention, this equipment has a toilet, and plastic preform is heated by those heating chambers in the inside of this toilet.And this toilet is isolated by least one first wall and at least one second wall and external environment, and wherein this second wall is configured to move relative to this first wall.

Therefore suggestion arranges a process chamber, plastic preform is heated in the chamber, this process chamber is designed to be formed with a toilet, this toilet isolates with outside non-sterile room, but this toilet preferably still allows to introduce necessary processing action, and do not lose gnotobasis in this process.

Preferably, all processes of heating plastic preforms carries out in above-mentioned toilet.

Above-mentioned heating chamber preferably moves together with plastic preform.Those heating chambers are preferably designed to by this programme, only have a plastic preform to insert heating chamber at every turn.But multiple plastic preform also can be made to insert those heating chambers, to make multiple plastic preform be heated in same chamber in this manner simultaneously simultaneously.

In the scheme of a further decision design, this equipment has a sealing device, particularly in order to mutually be sealed by two described before walls.Sealing device is a so-called surge chamber (surgechamber) preferably.This means that sealing device preferably has the continuous print groove that is full of liquid, and a part for relatively-movable wall, the mode with blade in this groove immerses.But, also this groove can be arranged to rotatable.

In the scheme of a further decision design, in order to act on an over pressure to this toilet, this equipment has a pressure-loaded instrument.Such as at this moment, the filtrated air of superpressure can be fed into this toilet, so that prevent the air of sterilized from running through into this toilet from the external world.

In the scheme of a further decision design, this means of transportation is rotatable means of transportation.This heating chamber is preferably made to be arranged on this rotatable means of transportation.The heating chamber of multiple the type is preferably made to be arranged on this rotatable means of transportation.Preferably provide a rotary actuation to the movement of plastic preform.Preferably colyliform or ring-type are made by this toilet.This means of transportation is preferably made to form a boundary wall of this toilet similarly especially.Outside this toilet, preferably arrange one for driving the drive unit of this means of transportation.In general, preferably, by the transfer path being radially positioned at plastic preform of this equipment or at least one region of heating chamber, be arranged at outside this toilet.Like this, this toilet volume that can be designed is relatively less.

Preferably, this equipment is the transmission infrared ray that a STIR(selects), or an infrared furnace, but this equipment also can have one or more microwave generating apparatus, and microwave so just can be utilized to heat plastic preform.In addition, also infrared heating and heating using microwave can be combined.

In the scheme of a further decision design, respectively independently heating chamber is heated by electric power or heats.But, also can utilize liquid to realize heating, such as utilize deep fat.

In the scheme of a further decision design, this equipment has a rod-like element, and when plastic preform is heated, this rod-like element through the opening on plastic preform, at least can insert the inner space of plastic preform within a period of time.This programme design provides a kind of two-way heating means.The method by inside in the mode of aforementioned rod-like element or spear heating member (heatinglance), and in outside in the mode of heating blanket or heating chamber, heating is preferably performed simultaneously.As previously described, this heating system is preferably disposed on a rotation slider.Plastic preform can be provided by rotation slider, is sent to aforesaid supportive device or means of transportation device to realize support, is then stretched into this heating chamber.Aforesaid spear heating member or rod-like element are also stretched into heating chamber and are inserted plastic preform.

Now plastic preform is placed in this heating system, accepts the heating of a period of time.Plastic preform is preferably made longitudinally to continue to rotate, in this way to realize the homogeneous heating of plastic preform periphery around it in this case.After the heating step, plastic preform is drawn out this heating chamber again, and is transferred to a blow moulding machine.

In the scheme of a further decision design, this rod-like element can be heated.This means that plastic preform is preferably heated from both sides, heated by this rod-like element, another side is heated by the heating chamber wall around preformed member.

In the scheme of a further decision design, this heating chamber has one first opening, is intended to make plastic preform be supplied to heating chamber by this first opening, and this heating chamber is also provided with at least one the second opening apart from this first opening one segment distance.This programme preferably makes this second opening be arranged at the end relative with this first opening of this heating chamber.This second opening is preferably made to be positioned at the bosom of this heating chamber, so particularly in order to cleaning agent can be made during cleaning purpose to flow out.

In the scheme of a further decision design, this heating chamber is designed to close, and therefore bottom section presents cup-shaped.In this programme, plastic preform and bacterium can be separated by this heating chamber itself.In the application, also allow aforesaid opening to be located at bottom, but bottom can close.

Preferably, this heating chamber can be opened in one direction, and preferably opens towards top (in order to load preformed member), is preferably closed in the direction in which by one (top) isolation ward.

In the scheme of a further decision design, the bottom of this heating chamber can be opened, and as described above, is to clean this heating system (situ cleaning, flushing, air blowing (gassing)).After the heating step, this opening can be closed again, such as uses a CIP(situ cleaning, cleaninplace) lid closes.

In the scheme of a further decision design, this equipment has one for the passage of transmission class moving medium, and this passage can be connected to this second opening to allow the form of media flow.A kind of liquid, particularly a kind of clean liquid can be provided by this second opening.

Also multiple heating chamber is allowed to be supplied by a cleaning passage in this programme.As by this mode, arrange a central passage, each autonomous channel leading to heating chamber is all communicated with this central passage.Like this, just can rinse all heating chambers or heating system simultaneously and blow.This programme for example, can adopt hydrogen peroxide to blow.In the scheme of a further decision design, this heating chamber have one peripherally direction Perfect Ring around the wall of plastic preform, an and diapire.These walls also can merge mutually (as by arc area).

In the design, as described above, this heating chamber is at least substantially with the form design of cup.In the scheme of the design, therefore plastic preform also as this area is conventional, can not moves through relative heater, but is arranged in the chamber of a Perfect Ring around this plastic preform.Decision design one is for inserting the mobile device of heating chamber by plastic preform, this mobile device is designed so that the screw thread of plastic preform can not be inserted into heater.In addition, be provided with for preventing the open area of plastic preform by the shielding element heated.

In the scheme of a further decision design, this diapire is designed to the form of a reflector.Like this, ray is reflected to plastic preform after arriving at diapire, therefore further heating plastic preforms.The diapire of the design itself can not be heated in this case.But also allow this diapire to be heated.

In the scheme of a decision design, for plastic preform being inserted this mobile device of heating chamber, there is a motor, particularly linear electric motors.

In the scheme of a further preferred configuration, a mobile device is set, for aforesaid rod-like element is inserted plastic preform.In addition, the mobile device of this programme preferably has a motor, especially preferably has linear electric motors.This mobile device, preferably along the longitudinal direction of plastic preform, preferably moves diapire along the direction at a right angle with the transport plane of heating chamber.

In the scheme of a further decision design, this diapire can relative to aforesaid Perfect Ring around wall move.Particularly in this programme, this diapire linearly moves, and particularly plastic preform also moves in the direction in which.Especially, this diapire can move up the vertical of plastic preform.Can realize like this regulating heating chamber according to the different size of plastic preform.

In the scheme of a further decision design, at least one pleated bellows is set up as sealing device, thus seals at least one relative movement occurred in this equipment.This relative movement particularly plastic preform relative to the movement of heating chamber, but also a pleated bellows can be set, to seal the movement of aforesaid rod-like element and/or bottom part.

In the scheme of a further decision design, at least one interior wall energy of this heating chamber is heated to a temperature, and this temperature is greater than 500 DEG C, preferably >600 DEG C, more preferably >700 DEG C.Due to so high operating temperature, each surface of heating chamber or each heating element heater should be considered to aseptic.

In the scheme of a further decision design, aforesaid is a hollow shaft for supporting that the supporting element of plastic preform is designed at least local.Owing to being designed to hollow shaft form, bar also can pass this hollow shaft and insert plastic preform.But also can be that supporting element grasps screw thread from the outside of plastic preform, make rod-like element insert plastic preform to make the gross section of opening may be used to.

The invention further relates to a kind of method of heating plastic preforms, plastic preform is transmitted along the transfer path that presets in the method, and is heated in transmitting procedure.In this programme, plastic preform inserts heating chamber separately, is heated by heating chamber, and to make each plastic preform to be heated corresponding with a heating chamber (strictly), and heating chamber moves along transfer path at least partly.In this programme, in order to heating plastic preforms, preferably make a part for heating chamber be heated, or make microwave introduce heating chamber from a microwave output element.

In the present invention, plastic preform, by heating process, transmits at least a period of time in a toilet, and this toilet is kept apart by least one first wall and at least one second wall and external environment, and this second wall is designed to move relative to the first wall.

Therefore according to method suggestion, the heating of the heating chamber corresponding with plastic preform, should be performed by plastic preform.In addition, this heating should perform in an aseptic environment.

In a preferred approach, in heating process, a rod-like elements or a rod-like element insert plastic preform at least a period of time.In the heating process of plastic preform, preferably transmit plastic preform along a circular path.

Positive progressive effect of the present invention is: the production of the container be poured under can making gnotobasis is more prone to.

Further effect is obvious in the accompanying drawings with design.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of a container handling machines.

Fig. 2 is the detailed view of a heater.

Fig. 3 is the detailed view of a heater.

Fig. 4 is the detailed view of multiple heater.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram with the heater of removable base parts.

Fig. 6 is the further view of a heater of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is the schematic diagram under another mode of operation of heater in Fig. 6.

Reference numerals list

1 firing equipment

6 toilets

A part for 6a toilet

8 rod-like element

10 plastic preforms

10a main body

10b threaded area

16 lane devices

18 central passages

20 heaters

22 supportive devices

The stator of 24 linear electric motors 25

25 linear electric motors

The slider of 26 linear electric motors 25

30 heating chambers

31 chambers

First opening of 32 heating chambers

33 screening arrangements

34 second openings

35 locking devices

36 continuous print walls

38 diapires/bottom part

38a recess

46 sealing devices

48 means of transportation

50 equipment

52 feedwaies

54 supply star-wheels

55 shaped devices

56 forming stations

58 means of transportation

62 first walls

64 second walls

66 sealing devices, surge tank

76 means of transportation

82 drive

84 output gears

86 gear wheels

85 driven rods

86 sealing devices, pleated bellows

The slider of 88 second drive units 90

90 second drive units, motor

The stator of 91 second drive units

92 air blasts

94 filters

95 outer covers

96 passages

The longitudinal direction of L plastic preform

P1-P3 moving direction

D rotating shaft

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of container handling machines 50.In the present embodiment, plastic preform 10(illustrate only one) be supplied to by a feedway 52 firing equipment that overall labeling is 1.This firing equipment has a means of transportation 2, and means of transportation 2 is D rotation around the shaft in the present embodiment, and means of transportation 2 is respectively arranged with multiple heater or heating station 20.After by heating, plastic preform is sent to by transmitting star-wheel 54 shaped device that an entirety is labeled as 55, and shaped device 55 is for being shaped to plastic containers by plastic preform.This shaped device also has a rotatable means of transportation 58 and arranges superincumbent multiple forming station 56.A shaped device 55 preferably blow moulding machine, particularly a stretch blowing machine in the present embodiment.

The heater 1 of the present embodiment and shaped device 55 are arranged in the toilet 6 only schematically illustrated.This represents that plastic preform has been transported among toilet 6 when by heating.In addition, this equipment also can have such as one for the bactericidal unit to heater 20 or the sterilizing of plastic preform 10 own.The feedway 52 of the present embodiment is at least arranged in toilet 6 local.

Fig. 2 is the partial view of a heater 20.This heater has the heating chamber that an entirety is marked as 30, and this heating chamber is formed with one for inserting the chamber 31 of plastic preform 10.The plastic preform 10 of the present embodiment has an a main body 10a and threaded area 10b.This threaded area hankers not entering heating chamber 30 all the time adding.In fact one can be arranged for preventing screw thread by the screening arrangement 33 heated.Reference numeral 32 represents the opening on heating chamber 30, and by this opening, plastic preform 10 can be fed into heating chamber 30.Screening arrangement 33 in the present embodiment is all designed to tabular, screening arrangement 33 is correspondingly provided with the opening for making plastic preform 10 pass.

Reference numeral 8 represents a rod-like element, and this rod-like element is similarly inserted into plastic preform 10 when heating in the present embodiment.This rod-like element 8 also heats from inside to plastic preform 10.Like this, plastic preform 10 can be uniformly heated.Reference numeral L represents the longitudinal direction of plastic preform 10, also represents longitudinal direction and the moving direction of this rod-like element in the present embodiment simultaneously simultaneously.

In the present embodiment, Reference numeral 6 represents toilet equally, and plastic preform is heated in this toilet 6.Because heating chamber 30 is blocked herein too, chamber 31 also becomes a part for toilet 6.

Fig. 3 illustrates the further design of a heating chamber 30.In the present embodiment, to illustrate in the peripheral direction of plastic preform 10 Perfect Ring around the inwall 36 of plastic preform 10.This inwall preferably has a ring section (that is chamber 31 local has cylindrical shape), substantially to keep uniform distance between plastic preform 10, also therefore makes plastic preform be uniformly heated.In addition, plastic preform 10 also can be made to rotate around its longitudinal axis, thus homogeneous heating is carried out to it.But, also can specially make the profile of the heating implemented by this heating chamber produce departing from of a peripheral direction, such as in order to trained shape departs from circular container.

Reference numeral 34 illustrates an opening, and by this opening, such as one can be introduced into and/or remove for the bactericidal agent cleaning this inwall.Reference numeral 38 represents a bottom section of heating chamber.Opening 34 can be closed, especially in order to keep desinfection chamber 6 by locking device 35.

Fig. 4 illustrates of the present invention one and designs further.In the present embodiment, illustrate three heating chambers 30 arranged adjacent to each other, plastic preform 10 lays respectively among these heating chambers 30.Reference numeral 16 illustrates a lane device, and by this lane device 16, bactericidal agent is provided to each heating chamber, or can be removed by from each heating chamber.In the present embodiment, also allow these independently lane device 16 be interconnected, and integrate with a central passage 18.The passage 18 of the present embodiment can be designed as circular passage.The inner region 31 of the present embodiment is also a bottom desinfection chamber simultaneously, and inner region 31 and the top desinfection chamber shown in Fig. 1 adjoin.These chambers together form toilet 6.

Fig. 5 further illustrates a heating chamber 30.In the present embodiment, continuous print wall 36 and diapire 38 is illustrated equally.And in the present embodiment, diapire 38 can move along direction P3, and be arranged on means of transportation 48.Reference numeral 46 represents a sealing device, such as a pleated bellows.Sealing device 46 seals the movement of bottom part 38 on the P3 of direction.Because bottom part 38 is moveable, heating chamber can be made to adapt to the plastic preform of different size.The bottom part of the present embodiment can have a recess 38a.Like this, especially, as shown in Figure 5, due to plastic preform bottom section can by coupling around, can be modified the heating of the bottom of plastic preform.Recess 38a also can be arranged independent of the mobility of diapire.

Fig. 6 is the further displaying of present device.In the present embodiment, heater 30 is demonstrated again with the toilet 6 adjoined.Herein, toilet 6 is preferably annular, and has one first wall 62 and one second wall 64, and in the present embodiment, the second wall 64 is configured to removable or rotatable, and the first wall 62 is configured to fix.Reference numeral 66 represents the sealing device of the motion be used between sealed wall.In the present embodiment, these sealing devices as described above, to be individually designed in the mode of so-called surge tank (surgetank).A part for wall 64 is embedded in the groove be formed on wall 62 in this embodiment.Preferably advise in desinfection chamber 6, arranging superpressure, to prevent penetrating of bacterium in the present embodiment.Be provided with an air blast 92 in addition to be supplied by passage 96 pairs of desinfection chambers 6.Reference numeral 94 represents a filter, such as a HEPA filter (high efficiency particle air filter).

Reference numeral 24 represents the stator of linear electric motors 25, and these linear electric motors are used for plastic preform to move to (also for they are shifted out heating chamber) in heating chamber 30.Relevant movable part or second component, such as slider, here mark with Reference numeral 26.In the present embodiment, slider 26 is set to a hollow shaft, so that make rod-like element 8 pass this hollow shaft, thus stretches into plastic preform.

Reference numeral 22 represents the supportive device of a support plastic preform 10.In the present embodiment, this supportive device is by preferably with a kind of form design of supporting rod.This supporting rod is chimeric with the opening of plastic preform, holds on plastic preform from the inside thus.And supportive device also can grasp plastic preform from the outside.And also the rod-like element 8 that can be inserted in plastic preform can be set directly on supportive device.Like this, supportive device can be designed with the form of elongated bar, and this elongated bar has the part that can insert plastic preform, also has one for supporting the part of plastic preform.

Reference numeral 90 represents that the second motor drives, and Reference numeral 91 represents this second motor-driven stator.Reference numeral 88 represents the slider of the second drive unit 90.In the present embodiment, driven rod 85 similarly moves along direction P2 by slider 88.Reference numeral 86 represents a pleated bellows, this pleated bellows by driven rod 85 along the movement of direction P2 and external environment U seal isolation.Also linear electric motors can be replaced, such as hydraulic-driven or pneumatic actuation, or other motor with the driving of other type.Reference numeral 82 represents a driving, particularly motor, and this motor creates the rotation of plastic preform around its longitudinal axis, that is around the rotation of longitudinal L.Drive 82 to have output gear 84 in the present embodiment, this output gear 84 drives the gear wheel 86 be arranged on means of transportation 76.For supporting that the supportive device 22 of plastic preform 10 is arranged on means of transportation 76, also rotate together thus.

Fig. 7 illustrates the mode of operation schematic diagram of equipment in Fig. 6.This represents in the present embodiment, and plastic preform is moved into heating chamber 30, and rod-like element 8 is moved into plastic preform 10.Correspondingly, pleated bellows 86 is in compressive state, and is also in lower position for the driving 82 making plastic preform rotate around its longitudinal axis.Reference numeral 95 represents an outer cover, and this outer cover serves as the upper part 6a of the toilet of equipment in the present embodiment.Also electric motor units 90,88 can be made if desired to close, so that be arranged so that the body of rod 22 does not insert plastic preform 10 by this, but only have plastic preform itself to be inserted in heating chamber 30.

Applicant have the right advocate all disclosed in application documents feature be essential feature of the present invention, as long as individually or in combination all there is novelty compared to these features of prior art.

Claims

1. one kind for heating the equipment (1) of multiple plastic preform (10), this equipment has a moveable means of transportation (2), this means of transportation is provided with at least one heater (20), wherein, this heater (20) has a supporting element (22), this supporting element is used for supporting and transmitting those plastic preforms, and the heating chamber (30) that can insert for plastic preform (10), and wherein, also be provided with the mobile device (24) that is applicable to plastic preform (10) to insert this heating chamber (30), it is characterized in that, this equipment (1) has a toilet (6), those plastic preforms (10) are heated by multiple heating chamber (30) in the inside of this toilet (6), wherein, this toilet (6) is kept apart with external environment (U) by least one first wall (62) and at least one second wall (64), it is moveable that this second wall (64) is configured to relative to this first wall (62), this heating chamber (30) has one and makes plastic preform can be fed into first opening (32) of heating chamber (30), and at least one the second opening (34) apart from this first opening (32) one segment distance, this equipment also has lane device 16, 18, each heating chamber is provided to by lane device bactericidal agent, or can be removed by from each heating chamber, lane device 16, 18 for being connected to the fluid circuit of this second opening.

2. equipment (1) as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, this equipment (1) has a rod-like element (8), when those plastic preforms (10) are by heating, this rod-like element (8) through the opening of plastic preform, can insert inner space at least a period of time of those plastic preforms (10).

3. equipment (1) as claimed in claim 2, it is characterized in that, this rod-like element (8) can be heated.

4. equipment (1) as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, this equipment (1) has one for the passage (16,18) of transmission class moving medium, and this passage can be connected to this second opening (34) to allow the form of media flow.

5. equipment (1) as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, this heating chamber (30) have one peripherally direction Perfect Ring around the wall (36) of plastic preform (10), an and diapire (38).

6. equipment (1) as claimed in claim 5, is characterized in that, this diapire (38) relative to Perfect Ring around this wall (36) be moveable.

7. equipment (1) as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that, be provided with at least one pleated bellows (46,84), and this pleated bellows is for sealing at least one relative movement occurred in this equipment (1).

8. equipment (1) as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, at least one inwall (36,38) of this heating chamber (30) can be heated to above 500 DEG C.

9. equipment (1) as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that, is a hollow shaft for supporting that this supporting element (22) of those plastic preforms (10) is designed at least local.

10. the method for the multiple plastic preform of a heating (10), wherein, those plastic preforms (10) are transmitted along the transfer path that presets, and heated in transmitting procedure, wherein, those plastic preforms insert heating chamber (30) separately, and heated in those heating chambers (30), to make each plastic preform to be heated (10) and a heating chamber (30) correspondence, and those heating chambers (30) move to heat those plastic preforms (10) along this transfer path at least partly, being heated at least partially and/or microwave introduced this heating chamber of this heating chamber (30), it is characterized in that, in the heating process of those plastic preforms (10), those plastic preforms (10) are transmitted at least a period of time in a toilet (6), wherein, this toilet (6) is kept apart with external environment by least one first wall (62) and at least one second wall (64), it is moveable that this second wall (64) is designed to relative to this first wall (62), wherein this heating chamber (30) has one and makes plastic preform can be fed into first opening (32) of heating chamber (30), and at least one the second opening (34) apart from this first opening (32) one segment distance, this equipment also has lane device 16, 18, each heating chamber is provided to by lane device bactericidal agent, or can be removed by from each heating chamber, lane device 16, 18 for being connected to the fluid circuit of this second opening.

11. methods as claimed in claim 10, is characterized in that, in heating process, a rod-like element (8) inserts those plastic preforms (10) at least a period of time.